Kolekt-To

Thanks Dan! I'm calling David McDonald (the Tsuka restoration guy) to consult with him, as well. I'll have him give the menuki the shine treatment, most likely using the method you described. It will look best when the menuki patina matches that of the existing fittings on the restored gunto. I'm excited about the project!

I recently acquired this Type 97 Kai Gunto tsuka (the Tsuka only) and my intention is to send it to David McDonald (Tsuka restoration guy in Montana) to have him cannibalize it for parts - specifically to extract the menuki. The menuki will be needed for a tsuka re-wrap/repair for a Kai Gunto that I recently acquired (has damaged Ito and lacks menuki). David will receive my new sword and this tsuka that will be needed for the restoration project. Perhaps I should consult David first, but these menuki seemed a bit aged and I thought that perhaps it came from sword with blackened fittings, however I'm doubting that. Is there a way to clean or polish aged menuki to restore them to a brighter luster - maybe not a brand new look, but at least a little brighter than what you see here? I believe these menuki are made of brass. I appreciate thoughts about this. What would you do? What is recommended or not recommended in this situation? The sword on which they will be used is in good condition other than the tsuka, and the fittings are brighter than the menuki pictured here. Thanks, Geoff

Dave, I am astonished by the price points of so many of the Type 95's these days! Seems like they are appreciating at a faster rate than any other Gunto models. A few weeks ago there was competitive bidding on eBay for a first version Type 95 (good condition) and it sold for $1590.00 USD. I'm still under the belief that, unless it's exceptional (or rare, like the side-latch version), they should sell for $900.00 - $1200.00 range. Perhaps I need to update my belief system.

Great pics guys! Show me your High Class sarutes. Lol P.S. Nice tassels pictured, as well.

Thanks John! Read your post after I posted.

Thanks Thomas! That makes sense. So, they're referring to the Sarute? Maybe other board members can weigh in on this, as well.

On the Ohmura site, in the Type 97 Kai Gunto section, when using the Japanese-to-English translation option, there is a reference to the "Ape Hand Deformity Bracket" for what appears to be the Kabuto-gane. What is the proper English translation of Ape Hand Deformity Bracket - it sounds ridiculous and I can't understand the meaning. Here's the link: http://ohmura-study.net/107.html Thanks, Geoff

Keep them coming Michael! You'll get plenty of prospective buyers here, I'm sure. Plus, the people here are genuinely interested in these swords, will appreciate them, and the swords will be well maintained.

That's a nice Kai Gunto! It shouldn't take long to sell.

I enjoyed reading this old thread from nearly 4 years ago (September 2017) concerning Type 97 Kai Guntos. A little amused by this particular post from four years ago because seems to highlight how times may have changed - appears that in 2021 these Kai Guntos are quite popular and that, in most cases, it would not take a year to sell one now. From what I have seen lately, Type 97's are very much in demand and they sell rather quickly. From what I have read, Type 95's have increased in popularity among collectors over the past decade or so (along with price appreciation) and it seems to me that these Type 97's may be undergoing a similar rise in popularity and price appreciation, including those with the rust-resistant (stainless steel) non-traditional blades. I'm a fan of the Type 97! Note: Collectibles, in general, have been rising in demand over the past year or so, and, like fine Art, I suppose Nihontos and Guntos are no exception.

Thanks David - good information!

Hey guys, I want to let you all know how pleased I am with the Type 98 I purchased from Steven - very happy! It arrived this afternoon and, after admiring all aspects of the piece, I set about putting it on display. It is the new centerpiece of my growing collection and I think it looks fantastic. Much gratitude to Steven for a great deal on this Gunto - thank you Steven! Best regards, Geoff

I found information stating that the IJN rank of "Captain" was equivalent to an army colonel. At any rate, the Kai Gunto recently posted here is a beautiful piece!

The blackened late-war fittings we see in the examples posted here don't have the bling of earlier models, but they are cool in their own right.

Thanks guys! I was aware that these knives would be non-regulation. And, buyer beware.

I met a sword vendor at a Gun Show in the Phoenix, Arizona area this summer. His name is "Walter" and he had a nice display of Gunto and Nihonto. Told me he's been in this Nihonto collecting world for over 30 years and the guy was very knowledgeable. Gave me his contact info (he's local). He said he'll be at the San Francisco show next month. I plan to contact him - perhaps he can be a mentor. At the least, I'll be buying a piece from him, as he had a quality selection with good prices. Bruce, it is that blade. A few weeks ago, I had assumed that it sold, but it had not. It's still posted, albeit with a lower price, as mentioned. An interesting piece, indeed!

Is there a link to the "Pilot's knife" discussion and/or where can we read more about these knives, either here on this board or elsewhere?

Check out this article from March 2021: https://www.looper.com/368668/the-admiral-yamamoto-tanto-from-pawn-stars-is-worth-more-than-you-think/

Thanks John! I wasn't aware that "Yamamoto daggers" were a thing. Very cool!

I recently watched the 2005 Japanese movie "Yamato", a Kamikaze film, that concerns the final (suicide) mission of the battleship Yamato in April 1945, and I'm curious about the identity of the dagger featured in the film. The dagger is introduced by the character of Petty Officer Mamoru Uchida. Supposedly he was gifted this dagger by Admiral Yamamoto. In the dagger introduction scene, Uchida is seen cleaning this dagger (applying Uchiko powder) and speaking about the significance of the dagger while conversing with a fellow officer. The dagger is also featured in scenes near the end of the movie, such as where the film's main character of Katsumi Kamio is forced to accept the dagger from Uchida as the Yamato is sinking - Uchida hands Kamio the dagger while he and another wounded officer push Kamio off the deck and, ultimately, to safety. And, the dagger appears again (in a modern day / 2005 scene), this time taken from it's rack in the fishing boat by Kamio and presented to the female lead character (the adopted daughter of Uchida) during the ceremony to honor the dead - the dagger is presented in it's cloth bag and Uchida's daughter unwraps the cloth and takes hold of the Tsuka (she does not completely unsheath the dagger, and only a small part of the tsuka and dagger is visible, unfortunately). If you have seen the film (I enjoyed it, and apparently it was a very popular film in Japan back in 2005-2006), I would appreciate help in identifying the dagger shown in the film. Educated guesses are appreciated! From what is shown of the dagger, it does not appear to be a typical naval dirk. Perhaps it's meant to be an ancestral Tanto? I've attached some photos (mostly screen shots) to assist in identification of the dagger. Thanks, Geoff P.S. There's a scene featuring a Type 97 where, during the final battle, an officer uses the Kai Gunto to commit suicide (falls on his sword) on the deck of the sinking ship. I didn't need any help identifying that edged weapon - it was clearly shown.

"Auspicious" (meaning favorable, of good omen) is commonly seen on gunto tangs. What are some other words (common or uncommon) that can appear on gunto tangs in place of Auspicious?

Thank you Stephen!

Thanks Grey! I'll look him up.

Good to know - thanks Steven!

FYI Bruce, I will be the new caretaker of the Kanetaka. Steven's deal was too good to pass up! It looks like great example of a Type 98, and it will soon be on display as the centerpiece of my collection. I feel fortunate to receive it - will be in good hands. At this point, I only collect Gunto and it will fit right in.